The State of Qatar has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) during the Fourth Committee of the UN General Assembly’s discussion on Agenda Item 49 in New York. Qatar emphasized its commitment to fulfilling international obligations and supporting the Palestinian people through political, diplomatic, and financial means. UNRWA has been crucial in providing essential services to over 5 million Palestinian refugees, with Qatar being one of its largest supporters by signing a multi-year agreement and contributing over $49 million in 2024.
The besieged Palestinian people in Gaza continue to face dire humanitarian conditions, with access to essential aid obstructed and basic necessities like food and medicine weaponized against them. Qatar stressed that the prohibition of UNRWA’s activities would have severe humanitarian and political consequences, depriving millions of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank of essential services and undermining their right to return to their homes and lands. The State of Qatar called on the General Assembly and the international community to prevent the collapse of UNRWA by acting against legislation targeting the agency.
Qatar expressed its gratitude to UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini and his team for their efforts in carrying out the agency’s mandate under challenging conditions, while also condemning the Israeli Knesset’s laws banning UNRWA activities in the occupied Palestinian territories as a dangerous attack on multilateral efforts. Qatar stressed the importance of supporting and renewing UNRWA’s mandate in accordance with its founding resolution to ensure the continuation of vital humanitarian activities for Palestinian refugees.
In conclusion, the State of Qatar reiterated its unwavering support for a comprehensive and just political solution to the Palestinian issue based on international law. Qatar emphasized the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination, the right of return, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. By standing by UNRWA and the Palestinian cause, Qatar is committed to supporting humanitarian aid efforts and advocating for the rights of Palestinian refugees on the international stage.
